10 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington DC is perhaps one of the most visited cities in the country, not only popularly known for being the country’s capital city, but for its abundance of museums, iconic landmarks, and delicious food! The city has a vast array of local cuisine, seemingly inspired by the city’s rich history and culture. We’ve found that when it comes to fresh seafood, there’s a good number to choose from, so we’ve narrowed down a list of the best seafood restaurants in Washington DC.
1. Fiola Mare
3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 525-1402
Dubbed the seafarers delight, this is a seafood haven. The restaurants have breathtaking views of the Potomac River. It specializes in fresh seafood and executive wine collections.
With the Michelin yearly star award, the restaurant does not disappoint. Its cuisine is Italian and Mediterranean-inspired. Their Italian Renowned Chef Fabio Trabocchi, a James Beard award winner, and a team of amazing chefs offer a delightful choice of seafood plates to patrons and executives who throne the high-end restaurant.
They have a seafood platter –the seafood tower of oysters, mussels, clams, prawns, and tuna tartare.
Dining here is an experience of fine dining – perfect for seafood lovers.
2. The Imperial
2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-0334
The Imperial is one of dc best seafood restaurants located in the South Adams Morgan area. It is a high-end Bar and an exquisite dining place, that provides a journey through continents with its experience in the restaurants and bar. Co-owned by Bill Thomas and Stephen King, it has arguably the largest whiskey collection in the western hemisphere.
Its unique whiskey collection and authentic cocktails will spur up your taste buds as you indulge in our Mid Atlantic with a fusion of French seafood platters.
Its specialty is large amongst them the Steelhead Vol-Au –vent that includes puff pastry with sautéed trout, leeks, artichokes, and vermouth cream.
3. Pop’s Sea Bar
1817 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 534-3933
It has a casual look and feels but is certainly homely. This restaurant offers unique feel-good foods. It is located in the Adams Morgan area, known for its international favors and electric bars.
Pop Sea Bar is laid down but offers a seafood treat that tickles your taste buds inspired by Jersey shore. Its signature snack ”peel and eat shrimp”, calamari, smelts, and oysters. Sandwich options include crab cakes and a classic fried shrimp option. The sports bar upstairs offer sports lover a spot to indulge as they relax and catch up on their teams.
4. Bourbon Steak DC
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
Located on iconic Georgetown Pennsylvania Avenue, it is a Michelin star restaurant specializing in different food experiences ranging from steak and seafood. Its fantastic chef Michael Mina provides an array of seafood like the Bounty tower, a combination of Mussels, scallops, ceviche, tuna tartare, oysters, shrimps, lobsters, and authentic sauces washed down with champagne mignonette or a variety of exquisite whisky. The ambiance and views are breathtaking, taking the dining experience a notch higher.
5. Hank’s Oyster Bar
1624 Q St NW STE 100, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-4265
Owned by Chef Jamie Leeds, this Michelin-rated restaurant will delight you. It is named after Jamie’sJamie’s father. Ideally located at the waterfront its offers incredible views of the district.
It offers quality seafood and an experience worthy of your time and money.
The restaurant’s signature food Hank’sHank’s signature Salty Wolfe, oysters fried oyster, jumbo shrimp, and other seafood delights.
The bar has a wide collection of cocktails.
6. Joe’s Seafood
750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 489-0140
An icon in the industry, from 1913 and counting serving unique seafood varieties. Famed for its stone crab, among others.
Flown in from various parts of the world, the tantalizing seafood keeps the crowd coming. The legendary fish and chips is included on the all-day menu which has other fresh fish classics like shrimp cocktail and fried oysters.
7. Traven at Ivy City Smokehouse
1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 529-3300
If you’re looking for a seafood dining experience that is different from the others, try out Traven at Ivy City Smokehouse. All the seafood is smoked, and you can indulge in smoked salmon, shrimps, and lobsters. With its low-key spot, the seafood experience lights up the place.
8. Rappahannock Oyster Bar
1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 484-0572
Overlooking the Washington Channel and sitting in the historic seafood Maines Avenue Fish Market and on a restored Oyster shed dating 1912, this is as good as it gets. With signature food like the crab cake. It is a powerhouse in the seafood industry.
It has many specialty meals and cocktails.
Patrons throne this historic restaurant to get a taste of their tantalizing seafood freshly prepared each time.
Being on a waterfront, it offers unchallenged views of the waterfront and its unique activities.
9. Black Salt
4883 MacArthur Blvd., Washington, District of Columbia 20007
(202) 342–9101
Located just beyond Georgetown in the cool neighborhood of Palisade is this amazing swanky restaurant. It serves as both a fish market and restaurant for the community. Chef Rob Campbell uses the fresh ingredients of the day.
Dishes vary from baby octopus, fried clams, and clam chowder are served with caviar.
Among some of its signature seafood are Fried Ipswich clams, oysters, and fish.
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10. The Salt Line
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
The Salt Line is one of the trendiest restaurants in Navy Yard. It’s an oyster and ale house with a New England influence. Their oysters are as fresh as can be, and they’re renowned for their lobster rolls, though when it’s not in season, you can count on suitable replacements like the Chesapeake Shrimp Roll.
Other delicious options include the Baked Pimento Crab Dip, containing lump crab, Tillamook cheddar, and green Tabasco, and served with a side of Old Bay crab chips; the North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich, with BBQ sauce, horseradish cream, and American cheese on an onion roll; and their famous New England Smash Burger, with two thin patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo on a sesame bun.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 18, 2021 and last updated on April 20, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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